How to Get BBQ, Grease & Ketchup Stains Out of Clothes (Even White Tees)
Fourth of July is all fun and fireworks… until someone drops a hot dog on their shirt. Whether it’s barbecue sauce, burger grease, or ketchup, summer stains don’t have to be permanent — if you treat them right.
Here’s exactly how to get rid of the most common July 4th stains, including the products I use at my laundromat and at home.
1. BBQ Sauce Stains
Step 1: Gently scrape off any excess with a spoon (don’t rub).
Step 2: Rinse the back of the stain with cold water to push it out of the fabric.
Step 3: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover and let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes.
Step 4: Wash in cold water with a strong detergent.
My go-to products:
2. Grease & Burger Fat Stains
Step 1: Blot the grease with a clean, dry cloth — do not add water yet.
Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly on the stain. Let sit for 15–20 mins to absorb oil.
Step 3: Brush off powder, then apply stain spray.
Step 4: Wash on the warmest setting safe for the fabric.
Laundry hack: Grease is tricky. If the stain is still visible after the wash, don’t dry it — it’ll set. Repeat the process.
Product recs:
3. Ketchup (and Mustard) Stains
Step 1: Remove any globs with a dull knife or spoon.
Step 2: Rinse from the back with cold water.
Step 3: Pre-treat with an enzyme spray and gently rub in with your fingers or a soft brush.
Step 4: Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash in cold water.
Pro tip: Don’t use hot water — it’ll set tomato-based stains.
Favorite tools:
Miss Mouth’s (for kids or adults — it works!)
Bonus: How to Save a White Tee After a Stain
If a stain lingers after washing, soak the whole shirt in a mix of oxygen bleach + warm water for a few hours (not chlorine bleach — it can yellow).
I like Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener or The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative
Then wash again and air dry first to see if it’s fully out before using the dryer.
Final Thoughts
Holiday stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. The key is to act fast, use the right products, and avoid the dryer until you’re sure it’s gone.
You can shop all my go-to stain fighters right here → ShopMy collection